Unanimous vote for free personal care in Scotland

Free personal care in Scotland now appears assured after a unanimous vote in the Scottish Parliament in early February to pass the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Bill. The new legislation provides for the introduction of free personal and nursing care, and lays down a definition of personal care. It also contains provision for improved working between Health Boards and Social Work departments, and better support for carers. Age Concern Scotland director Maureen O’Neill described the vote as a tremendous victory, and said free personal care had become flagship policy for the Scottish Executive. “This Bill paves the way for free personal care for older people in Scotland,” Ms OÂ¹Neill said. “It has proved a contentious issue for the Scottish Parliament, and has tested the strength of devolution, but all-party support and strength of public feeling has brought this fantastic result. “The next step is to ensure that it really makes a difference. The Scottish Executive and local authorities must make sure th